Pet Recovery Room

Welcome to the Pet Recovery Room. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about taking care of your pet after orthopedic surgery. We also created a great video to walk you through your pet’s recovery after TPLO or other orthopedic surgery. Be sure to check it out!

If you still have a question, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Medication and Protective Accessories

• Give all medications exactly as directed by your pet surgeon.
• Make sure the e-collar or lick sleeve is worn correctly at all times.
• Check the incision site daily.
• If your pet has a splint or bandage, this should also be checked daily. Details can be found below.

Bandages and Splints

• Keep the bandage or splint clean and dry at all times.
• If at any point the bandage becomes wet, soiled, or slips, please contact us for a replacement.
• When taking your pet outdoors, cover the bandage or splint with a plastic bag. Use tape to secure the bag – do not use rubber bands.
• Once back indoors, be sure to remove the plastic bag immediately to prevent sweating.
• If exposed, check toes daily for swelling and dampness. If you notice any, call us straightaway to replace the splint.
• Take the temperature of the toes twice a day. If they are significantly hotter or colder than the toes on the other foot, please call us immediately to replace the splint.
• Smell the bandage daily and call to inform us if there is an odor.
• Check daily for any wounds near the bandage or cast. Call us right away if you spot any.

Pet Activity After Surgery

Exercise and activity for pets following surgery should be significantly reduced, usually for a period of around 12 weeks. To enforce this and ensure a swift recovery, you should:

• Confine your pet to a kennel, especially when home alone.
• Take your pet to the toilet on a leash.
• Keep walks short and slow, to a maximum of five minutes.
• Prevent your pet from running, jumping, playing, climbing onto furniture, or getting in and out of a vehicle unsupported.
• Prevent your pet from using the stairs. If they must, assist them with a towel or sling under the belly.
• If your pet has had surgery on a back leg, he or she should be supported with a sling when walking for the first five to seven days.
• Prevent weight gain by providing less food than usual.

After the first couple of weeks, your pet may start to use the affected limb more comfortably. It is crucially important that activity restriction continues even so, for a full and complete recovery. We will let you know when it is safe for your pet to return to its usual activity level.

Follow-Up Appointments

It is critical that you attend all follow-up appointments as instructed by your pet surgeon. We use x-rays to confirm the full healing of the bone, giving you the green light to resume normal activities.

From dog TPLO surgery recovery to simple cat spaying, it’s important to keep a close eye on your pets following any type of procedure. Be sure to call us if you notice any sudden changes in their behavior, including aggressive chewing of the bandage or cast.

Need to Get in Touch?

We are always at the end of the phone when you need us. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or if you notice anything unusual.

SurgiPet Team created this video so that pet owners are empowered with all the information necessary for a successful recovery after pet orthopedic surgery.